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Analysis: Every Republican should be asked to read this quote by Lisa Murkowski

Tapper: “It’s a weird time for partisan politics, though, isn’t it? And dare I say it’s a bit weird for Republicans right now. … It must be uncomfortable to be. a rigid nonpartisan of the period.”

Murkowski: “During this section, yes.

“But it can be uncomfortable – it can be uncomfortable when you say, I’m not going to align with what the party is saying just because the party is saying it. You have to be comfortable enough about who you are and who you are. Who do you represent and why are you here?

“I mean, I am not representing the Republican Party here. I’m here to represent Alaskans. And I take that fee very seriously. So when there’s a conflict, when the party is taking an approach or saying things that I think are completely wrong, I think it’s my responsibility as an Alaska senator to speak up for the people of Alaska, just tell the truth. “

That right has something to it that is both a) completely fundamental to American democracy and b) seemingly forgotten by so many elected Republicans today.

The most basic job of a representative is to represent the people of their district or state. Not all of those people voted for them. Not all of those people agree with them. Some are vehemently opposed. But the job is to serve the interests of all your members, not just those you think got you into ministry.

The party should be second to the nation or, in Murkowski’s mind, the state.

Not so long ago, such an idea became the focus of the Republican Party. When Arizona Senator John McCain ran for president in 2008, he made it clear that the slogan “Country First”.

In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention that year, McCain tell the crowd: “I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I have never lived a day, for better or worse, that I don’t thank God for the favor.”

That sentiment is like a world away from where the Republican Party now finds itself. Currently, the GOP is essentially a personality cult built around Donald Trump. What Trump says – no matter how far it goes from conservative fundamentalism or good for the average American – goes nowhere. Interrogating the former President would have dire political consequences. And so Republicans often line up — even if that means potentially damaging democracy (and their constituents).

There is no better example of putting the party above all other concerns than Trump’s ongoing efforts to sabotage the outcome of the 2020 election. There is no evidence to support his claims. him, and only a few Republicans voiced their objections. Some, like Murkowski, have made the main challenge endorsed by Trump for their actions and words. Others, like Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, have been stripped of their leadership positions for tearing up their party. (Cheney also faces a major challenge from a Trump-backed candidate this year.)

It’s worth noting here that Democrats are not immune to this trend either. The pressure – and importantly – on West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin for his refusal to line up behind his party on policy items like the Better Rebuilding Act and film reform comes from the same an idea that party is more important than representation.

Elected officials are essentially leaders in their communities, counties, and states. Leadership means putting the interests of all before the interests of a few or your own personal interests. Frequently in recent years, Republicans in particular have been willing to move away not only from past principles, but also from what is good for the people they represent to stay on the right side of Trump.

That could make their political lives easier. But leadership is not an easy thing to do. It’s about doing the right thing.

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